And there was bread

GUTENTAG!

Well, the nice landlady left a beautiful braided sweet loaf at our doorstep this morning. And the man that delivered bread to the shop next door gave Quintin a bag of scones with chocolate chips. We all slept great, got up at 12:00 and left about 15:00 (yes, I'm getting used to telling time) for an agent audition in Dusseldorf which we almost found without a problem except for the 5 minutes we had left to get there and made a terrible wrong turn which took us way out of the way. With more kind German people helping us make our way back we found the agency and parking just around the corner. Thank God they were running behind! When we left the audition (don't call us, we'll call you...) we found an Italian restaurant that was pretty inexpensive and had the best tortellini with cream sauce and salami pizza that the kids and I shared. Grandma will appreciate that Quintin ate both and didn't leave a crumb! We then went to a nearby playground - reminiscent of one in Riverside Park...mothers, strollers and all - where the kids got to play. Of course, Sydney made a friend, Annika, who knew a little English. They exchanged a few words in the others' lanuage and proceeded to have a great time. Well, then we braved a small grocery store. No problem picking out fruit but when it came to milk and luncheon meat I guessed. When we got home Quintin bravely tried the milk and with a big smile, said it was great! Tomorrow, we will explore this little town of Numbrecht and try to relax a little.

Well, we made it!

We took off from Newark airport yesterday, thanks to our friend Caine and his new limo service and even arrived 3 hourse before take off! Once on the plane, a passenger near us noticed a strange sound coming from below and reported it. Larry too heard this strange knocking sound and the experts came in to inspect. There were definite mechanical problems that seemed to puzzle them. After 3 hours of sitting on the plane at the gate, they announced that we would have to take another plane which finally came an hour later only to find that it didn't have enough fuel - what's another hour?! Of course, the usual vouchers were passed out which we were happy to take - and used for a good Bailey's on ice! The four of us slept through most of the flight, luckily able to stretch out with plenty of room. We arrived today around 1pm, fought with the rental car company who was trying to rip us off but Larry nipped that in the bud. I have to admit, it was very stressful trying to find our way around and decode the German road maps. I was REALLY missing New York (and Texas). But the people here have been AMAZINGLY warm and friendly AND helpful. This week we are staying in a 1 bedroom apartment (our toilet worries also put to rest) in a very charming town called Numbrecht. The owner Diana greeted us with fresh baked bread and danish. The kids enjoyed the German-version of Sponge Bob Squarepants on the tv. Quintin decided not to exchange his money when he found out what the exchange rate was. And Sydney was oohing and aaaahing at the beautiful countryside and language . Did I mention there are two horses out back?

Summer's End

We had a great summer in Texas - unforgettable memories with friends and family. We did get to Austin to see my dad and Lyon (and many others). Our Austin welcome began with a flat tire during rush hour right on I-35. Believe it or not, we had a 2nd flight tire last night on I-85 out of Charlotte, NC probably due to the thieves who broke into our car earlier that day and stole half our belongings including Larry's wardrobe! But on to the better summer memories: Quintin learned to swim, Sydney was a munchkin in a Sherman theater production of Wizard of Oz, Larry learned how to relax, and I have vowed to always pack lightly!